You’ll have a clear plan.
Training built around your experience, equipment, time and goals.
The person behind Strong By Rucci
Hi, I’m Dan.
Strength has shaped my life.
I want it to add to yours.
I’m a strength coach, remedial massage therapist and the person behind Strong By Rucci.
I help adults over 40 build strength, look better and feel more confident in their body. Whether you’ve never trained before, you’re finding your feet again or you’ve got a specific performance goal, I’ll meet you where you are.
I’m also 48, a husband and a dad. I take training seriously, but I know there’s a whole life happening outside the gym.
My story
Nearly 13 years at Rucci’s Gym.
A lifetime of lessons.
Before Strong By Rucci, I co-owned and operated Rucci’s Gym for nearly 13 years.
It became a big part of Western Australia’s powerlifting community. We hosted major competitions, including the 2022 GPC Nationals, and helped people develop from their first sessions through to stepping onto the competition platform.
Running a gym teaches you plenty about people. Different goals, different abilities, different pressures outside training. A plan only helps if the person in front of you can put it into practice.
When Rucci’s Gym closed, I launched Strong By Rucci in April 2025 to continue that work in a more personal way.
I still coach powerlifters. I also work with people who simply want to feel stronger, healthier and more comfortable in their own skin. You don’t need competitive ambitions for me to take your goals seriously.
Experience I bring to your coaching
I’ve done the work myself.
I’ve competed in nearly 20 powerlifting competitions, held GPC National and World records in my age and weight category, and won bronze in the men’s open under-82.5 kg class at the 2012 GPC World Powerlifting Championships.
At the WA WRPF State Titles in June 2017, I totalled 720 kg at 99.9 kg bodyweight:
- 300 kg squat
- 165 kg bench press
- 255 kg deadlift
That meet was also a return after shoulder surgery. I’ve experienced the patience and adjustments that come with rebuilding your training.
From 2013 to 2023, I served as the GPC State Delegate for Western Australia, helping grow the sport and direct major events.
That experience informs how I coach: clear preparation, attention to technique, sensible progression and knowing when to adjust.
Your goal might be your first competition. It might be your first gym session. Either way, I’ll help you work towards it.
From my own training
Strength has been part of my life for years.
Here are a few moments from my own lifting. You don’t need to lift what I lift—or compete at all. Your goals deserve the same attention.
How I coach
Proper coaching.
Built around your life.
After around 15 years of coaching, I’ve learnt that the best-looking plan on paper isn’t always the right plan for the person.
I want to understand what you’re working towards, what’s getting in the way and what you can realistically commit to.
I’ll pay attention.
I’ll review your check-ins, give you honest feedback and adjust things when needed.
There’s room for life to happen.
Work gets busy. Kids get sick. Motivation comes and goes. We’ll work through that and find a way to keep moving.
I won’t promise an overnight transformation. I’ll give you proper coaching and expect you to put the effort in too.
Remedial massage
Qualified hands-on treatment, too.
I hold a Diploma of Remedial Massage from Paramount College of Natural Health, where I received the Outstanding Achievement award.
My training includes deep tissue massage, muscle energy techniques, trigger point work, dry needling, Graston, cupping and active release techniques.
When you come to see me, we’ll talk about what’s brought you in and what you want from the session. I’ll choose an approach around your needs and comfort, explain what I’m doing and check in as we go.
You don’t need to be an athlete or a coaching client. You might train regularly, spend long days at work or simply want some time to unwind.
I offer appointments in North Beach, Perth.
Working with me
How we can work together
Online coaching
The 12-Week ComebackPersonalised training, nutrition, weekly feedback and scheduled calls. A supported 12-week start, whether you’re new to training or starting again, then automatic continuation into Strong for Life with nutrition. Full pricing and cancellation details are on the coaching pages.
Strong for LifeOngoing training, feedback and accountability, with optional nutrition coaching. Join directly or continue after the Comeback.
Remedial massage
Remedial & Swedish massageHands-on treatment tailored to what you need. Focus on specific areas, take time to unwind, or combine the two.
Targeted dry needlingA focused appointment for one specific area, where appropriate. You don’t need to be an athlete or a coaching client.
Tell me where you’re at.
You don’t need to get fit before speaking to me, and you don’t need to know exactly which service you want.
Tell me what you’d like to change. I’ll listen, give you an honest recommendation and explain how I can help.